Meet Our Staff
A great program starts with great staff. Here at Talisman Academy, we introduce:
Linda Tatsapaugh, Director
MS in Child and Youth Care Administration, Nova SE University;
BA in Religion, Davidson College
Linda has directed Talisman programs since 2001. Prior to that, she worked at Stone Mountain School from its inception in 1991 as a counselor, program director, and admissions director. She is an instructor in first aid, CPR, life-guarding, and crisis management, and is a tree-climbing facilitator. She hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1990, is chairperson of the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps, and is the mother of an 8-year-old-son, Gable.
Molly Shriver-Blake, Program Director
MSW, Catholic University: BA Sociology, College of Wooster
Molly has worked with children with special needs and at-risk behaviors since 2002. She has worked in school, after-school, and summer camp settings and enjoys the opportunity to see youth feel successful and learn to enjoy new activities. She came to Talisman as a staff member in the Teen's Tri-Adventure program and, after spending a school year as a field instructor at Stone Mountain School, she will return to camp as Base Camp Manager. Molly is a certified lifeguard, wilderness first responder, and emergency responder.
Aaron McGinley, Clinical Services Manager
MS (In Progress) Mental Health Counseling, BS Psychology and Human Services, University of Scranton
Aaron has been working with children with special needs for more than a decade, providing essential services in residential treatment facilities, group homes, and hospitals. Aaron joined Talisman in 1998, originally working as a base camp counselor and staff supervisor. In addition to being a certified lifeguard, Aaron is also an instructor in first aid, CPR, suicide prevention, and crisis management.
Laura Centers, Admissions Director
MA, Special Education, Phoenix University; BS, Psychology, W. Washington U.
Laura began working with autistic children in high school. She joined Talisman in 1998, working with youth with ADHD and learning disabilities. She served as an autism advocate for Stone Mountain School, while working with the TEACCH center and NC Autism Society. She developed and launched Sight, a summer camp program specifically for kids with autism spectrum disorder or Asperger's Syndrome. Once she earned her masters, Laura taught for 2 years in an autism classroom in the public school system and at New Leaf Academy for girls. Laura enjoys spending time outside with her husband and son, and their dogs!